Column: Nest failure is common for birds in Maine. But many have backup plans.

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 30, 2026

Maine weather is seldom ideal. Renesting is a common survival strategy. If at first, you don’t succeed… Tree nests are vulnerable to predators, including raptors and red squirrels. Open nests are especially vulnerable to cowbirds. Ground-nesting birds face multiple threats besides the perils of cold and flooding. Ground-based predators such as foxes, raccoons and skunks relish eggs. Waterfowl on the nest are literally “sitting ducks” for large raptors. Renesting is impossible for raptors. When a raptor nest fails, it’s already too late for a do-over. Other large birds can renest successfully. If a common loon nest fails, the pair often tries again. ~ Bob Duchesne